Beets

Botanical Name

Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris

Hardiness

Annual

Light

Full sun to part shade

Soil

Moist, well-drained

Planting & Care

Beets best germinate in temperature between 50 F to 85 F.
Sow outdoors 30 days before last expected frost; sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, 1 inch apart in rows 12-18 inches apart. Thin to 1-3 inch when plants are 4 to 5 inches tall.
Cut rather than pull seedling to avoid disturbing surrounding plants. Eat the thinned greens by adding to salads or sandwiches.
Successive plant thru late summer.
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Beets perform best and produce better color and flavor in cool weather in soil that is both well weeded and has consistent moisture.
Harvest both the roots & the foliage.

Problems

Aphids, leafminers, leaf spot, downy mildew

Varieties

Ruby Queen - All-America Selections winner, round, uniform shape
Sweetheart - foliage great for greens, very sweet roots
Red Ace - early variety, heat tolerant, sweet flavor
Golden - early golden variety, sweet flavor
Avalanche - AAS winner, creamy white, sweet flavored root that lacks the earthy beety flavor of other varieties, 50 days to maturity